Travel Guides

Pompeii

In the year 79 AD Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the Roman city
of Pompeii in volcanic lava and ash. The most evocative testimony
to its victims is the 'frozen people', plaster casts of the victims
whose anguished contortions and facial expressions reveal the
horror of their untimely deaths. The excavation of Pompeii, which
started after its accidental rediscovery in 1749, is an ongoing
process and every decade has brought to light new finds that
provide insight into daily Roman life. A comprehensive tour of
Pompeii's attractions will take approximately five hours. Guided
tours are available but are pricier alternatives to doing it alone.
There is an informative 'How to Visit Pompeii' guidebook for sale
outside all the site entrances.

Pompeii is one of Italy's most popular tourist attractions,
seeing nearly 2.5 million visitors every year. It is one of the
most intriguing ancient sites in the world and a full day of
walking barely covers the many sights of interest. The Pompeii site
has been plagued by mismanagement but has recently been granted a
huge injection of funds which should improve maintenance; however,
the place is so captivating that no amount of mismanagement can
deter visitors from travelling to Pompeii, and the four associated
sites of Herculaneum, Oplontis, Stabia and Boscoreale.